Disinfectant composition

Abstract

Provided herein are disinfectant compositions containing at least one antimicrobial agent in combination with at least one adjuvant. The adjuvant may be a polyetheramine.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] A disinfectant refers to any chemical reagent / composition that can kill, destroy, or inhibit the growth of organisms (especially microorganisms). Disinfectant products include hard surface cleaners, hand and skin disinfectants, hand and skin cleaners, pre-disinfection cleaners for instruments, sterilization and high-level disinfectant compositions, soft surface disinfection, etc.

[0002] Ideally, the disinfectant composition has broad-spectrum activity against all types of microorganisms. The disinfectant composition should also have high efficacy so that the smallest amount of biocide can be used to save costs and avoid or reduce any possible adverse effects caused by the biocide. And, it is desirable that the disinfectant composition is stable to any temperature changes encountered during manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and storage. In addition, an ideal disinfectant composition is physically and chemically compatible with the components of different application systems and with the different components present in the end-use formulations, so that the disinfectant composition can be properly incorporated into various end-use products.

[0003] One issue that has continued to receive significant attention is the ability to formulate disinfectant compositions containing lower levels of biocides while still remaining effective against many microorganisms (especially at short contact times). Therefore, there is a current need for disinfectant formulations that can minimize the concentration of antimicrobial agents while maintaining the efficacy of the higher concentration of active substances. There is also a need for an adjuvant that can increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents at typical use levels and even lower concentrations of active substances.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Generally, the present application relates to a disinfectant composition containing at least one antimicrobial agent and at least one adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent. The adjuvant is present in an amount sufficient to increase the efficacy of at least one antimicrobial agent. For example, compared to the same composition without the adjuvant, the adjuvant can be present in the composition in an amount that increases the efficacy of the antimicrobial agent. In addition, the increase in efficacy can be greater than the additive effect of using the antimicrobial agent and the adjuvant alone.

[0006] In one aspect, for example, the present disclosure relates to a disinfectant composition comprising a combination of at least one antimicrobial agent and an adjuvant. According to the present disclosure, the adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent comprises a polyetheramine. The polyetheramine can be a polyether triamine, for example, and can have the following formula:

[0007]

[0008] wherein R1 is H or a C1 to C9 alkyl group, R2, R3, and R4 are independently H or CH3, and x, y, and z are independently 1 to 10.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sum of x, y, and z is not less than 5. Alternatively or additionally, the total of x, y, and z is not greater than 10.

[0010] The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be a ready-to-use solution or a liquid concentrate. The polyether triamine can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 100 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 200 ppm, and typically in an amount less than about 250,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 10,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 5,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 3,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 2,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 1,000 ppm. The adjuvant can be present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 5,000:1, such as about 10:1 to about 3,000:1 relative to the antimicrobial agent.

[0011] In one embodiment, in the ready-to-use composition, the antimicrobial agent can be present in the following amounts: less than about 1000 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm, such as less than about 250 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, such as less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, such as less than about 10 ppm.

[0012] The adjuvant can be present in the composition such that when tested for a contact time of 60 seconds according to the modified test EN 1040, the disinfectant composition shows a greater than 2 log reduction in at least one microorganism compared to the same composition without the adjuvant. For example, the disinfectant composition can be tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc.

[0013] The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can contain various different antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial agents that can be incorporated into the composition include one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, parachlorometaxylenol, or mixtures thereof.

[0014] For example, in one aspect, the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one quaternary ammonium compound having the following formula:

[0015]

[0016] where R 1 is an optionally substituted benzyl or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl; R 2 and R 3 are independently an optionally substituted alkyl; R 4 is selected from an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, benzyl, and [(CH2)2-O] n -R 5 , where n is an integer from 1 to 20, and R5 selected from hydrogen, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl; and X - is chloride, bromide, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, ethyl sulfate, sulfate, or nitrate. In one aspect, at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

[0017] In one aspect, at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one dimethyldialkylammonium chloride, such as didodecyldimethylammonium chloride. In one aspect, the composition comprises a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, which can include, for example, octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and didodecyldimethylammonium chloride. In yet another aspect, at least one quaternary ammonium compound includes tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and hexadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. In yet another aspect, at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didodecyldimethylammonium carbonate, didodecyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0018] In one embodiment, the adjuvant can be present in the composition at a weight ratio of about 10:1 to about 4,000:1, such as about 20:1 to about 2,000:1, such as about 150:1 to about 1,000:1, relative to at least one quaternary ammonium compound. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant is present in the composition at a weight ratio of about 20:1 to about 200:1 relative to the quaternary ammonium compound.

[0019] When the antimicrobial agent comprises chlorhexidine, the adjuvant can be present at a weight ratio of about 80:1 to about 8,000:1 relative to chlorhexidine. When the antimicrobial agent comprises polyhexamethylene biguanide, the adjuvant can be present at a weight ratio of about 50:1 to about 5,000:1 relative to polyhexamethylene biguanide. When the antimicrobial agent comprises parachlorometaxylenol, the adjuvant can be present at a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 50,000:1, such as about 1:1 to about 10,000:1, relative to parachlorometaxylenol.

[0020] In one aspect, the adjuvant can be combined with various different compounds. For example, the adjuvant can be combined with a chelating agent. For example, the chelating agent can comprise methylglycine diacetic acid. When the chelating agent comprises methylglycine diacetic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.01 wt%, such as greater than about 0.5 wt%, such as greater than about 1.0 wt%, and less than about 20 wt%, such as less than about 15 wt%, such as less than about 10 wt%, such as less than about 8 wt%, such as less than about 5 wt%.

[0021] The adjuvant can be present in the composition such that, compared to the same composition without the adjuvant, when tested for 5 minutes contact time against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to test EN1276, the disinfectant composition shows a greater than 4 log reduction.

[0022] The present disclosure also relates to a pre - wetted wipe product. The pre - wetted wipe product comprises a liquid absorbent substrate and the disinfectant composition as described above contained within the substrate. The liquid absorbent substrate may include a non - woven web. The non - woven web may include, for example, a meltblown web, a coform web, a spunbond web, an airlaid web, an airlaced web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded carded web, or a laminate thereof.

[0023] The present disclosure also relates to a method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface. In one embodiment, a liquid absorbent substrate is saturated with a disinfectant composition prepared according to the present disclosure. Then, the saturated liquid absorbent substrate is applied to a hard surface. Alternatively, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be sprayed onto the adjacent surface. The disinfectant composition can destroy a variety of different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, viruses, and combinations thereof.

[0024] The present disclosure also relates to personal care or household care formulations. In one embodiment, the household or personal care formulation includes a color cosmetic product, a deodorant product, a hair care product, an oral care product, a skin care product, a bath product, a sunscreen product, a fabric care product, a dishwashing liquid product, an aromatic formulation, a hard surface cleaning product, or a toilet care product.

[0025] The present disclosure also relates to industrial formulations. In one embodiment, the industrial formulation comprises a paint, a coating, a varnish, a sealing composition, a leather auxiliary, a paper coating agent, plasters, an adhesive, a sealant, a caulking agent, a mineral slurry, a pigment dispersion, a pigment slurry, concrete, a polymer emulsion, a polymer dispersion, an ink, a slurry, or an agricultural pesticide formulation.

[0026] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in more detail below.

[0027] Detailed Description

[0028] Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that this discussion is only an illustration of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Generally, the present invention relates to disinfectant compositions. As used herein, the term "disinfectant" refers to a biocidal composition intended to be applied to a surface to destroy microorganisms living on the surface. The disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure have many uses and applications. The disinfectant compositions can be used in any suitable industry or field where the surface needs to be substantially free of microorganisms. For example, the disinfectant compositions can include public products, household products, or healthcare products. The disinfectant compositions can include, for example, hard surface disinfectants, hand disinfectants, sterilizing or high-level disinfectant compositions, pre-disinfection cleaners for instruments, soft surface disinfectant compositions, upholstery and fabric cleaners / disinfectants, etc. In one particular use, the disinfectant compositions can be used in the food and beverage industry for cleaning food contact surfaces, such as countertops, dining tables, food containers, etc. Generally, food contact-approved disinfectants have a relatively low amount of biocides. In addition to treating food contact surfaces, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure are also particularly suitable for the sanitation field, such as hospitals, urgent care centers, etc.

[0030] According to the present invention, the disinfectant composition contains at least one antimicrobial agent in combination with an adjuvant. The adjuvant is present in the composition in an amount that provides an effective disinfectant composition having a synergistic interaction between the at least one antimicrobial agent and the adjuvant. More particularly, the synergistic interaction means that the antimicrobial agent, when combined with the adjuvant, has the fact that the total effect is greater than the biocidal properties of the antimicrobial agent alone or the adjuvant alone. In other words, the antimicrobial agents of the present disclosure act synergistically with the adjuvant so as to have greater antimicrobial activity in the presence of certain microorganisms compared to the antimicrobial activity of the same composition containing the antimicrobial agent alone or the adjuvant alone at the same concentration. Due to the synergistic effect, the amount of the antimicrobial agent present in the disinfectant composition can be reduced while still producing the desired efficacy or even improved efficacy. The adjuvant, for example, increases the enhancing effect of the antimicrobial agent in the disinfectant composition.

[0031] The adjuvant present in the disinfectant composition can include polyetheramines. The polyetheramine can be, for example, polyether triamine. In one aspect, the polyetheramine is a branched polyether triamine.

[0032] An example of a polyetheramine that can be incorporated into the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can have the following formula:

[0033]

[0034] wherein R1 is H or a C1 to C9 alkyl group, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently H or CH3, and x, y, and z are each independently 1 to 10.

[0035] The degrees of polymerization (x, y, and z) of Formula I are independently from 1 to 10. In some cases, the degrees of polymerization x, y, and z can be the same or different. For example, x can be 1, y can be 2, and z can be 3. In another case, z, y, and z can each be 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the sum of the polymerizations (e.g., the sum of the x, y, and z values) is not less than 5, such as 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the sum of the x, y, and z values is not greater than 10, for example, and not less than 5.

[0036] The polyetheramine can be a primary aliphatic polyamine. For example, the polyetheramine can be polyoxypropylene triamine. In one aspect, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can include one or more polyetheramines, such as a blend of two or three polyetheramines.

[0037] As described above, the combination of a polyetheramine with an antimicrobial agent produces a remarkable and surprising effect in terms of excellent antimicrobial killing at lower concentrations of the antimicrobial agent. The ability to reduce the concentration of the antimicrobial agent provides less residue on the surface and reduces the level of the antimicrobial agent required to achieve the desired disinfection effect. For example, combining a polyetheramine with an antimicrobial agent in a desired ratio can result in improved antimicrobial efficacy at a faster kill time while also reducing the amount of the antimicrobial agent by greater than or equal to 50%.

[0038] When incorporated into a disinfectant concentrate that is diluted before use, the use of the adjuvants of the present disclosure can also provide various advantages and benefits. For example, a dilutable concentrate can be formulated that has high disinfection performance while still having an antimicrobial agent at a concentration below that which requires special handling or labeling due to government regulations. For example, a liquid concentrate containing one or more antimicrobial agents can be produced that does not also have a hazardous GHS classification in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.

[0039] For example, dilutable concentrate formulations containing quaternary ammonium compounds typically require levels in the concentrate form that can result in a corrosive hazard statement on the packaging. For example, quaternary ammonium compounds can be sensitive to other components contained in the composition and thus typically need to be present at higher concentrations and then diluted to provide the desired disinfection level. In the past, various efforts have been made to reduce the level of quaternary ammonium compounds in the dilutable concentration by using surfactants, chelating agents, solvents, etc. However, it has been found that the adjuvants of the present disclosure (such as one or more polyetheramines) work particularly well with quaternary ammonium compounds, significantly improving their efficacy at much lower concentrations, as will be described in more detail below.

[0040] The disinfectant composition of the present disclosure may contain an adjuvant in combination with various different antimicrobial agents. The disinfectant composition may, for example, contain a single antimicrobial agent or a single type of antimicrobial agent or a mixture of different antimicrobial agents. Examples of antimicrobial agents that can be incorporated into the disinfectant composition and that exhibit advanced efficacy when combined with an adjuvant include one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, polyhexamethylene biguanide, chlorhexidine, halogen-substituted xylenols, or mixtures thereof.

[0041] In one embodiment, for example, the disinfectant composition contains an adjuvant in combination with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds. The quaternary ammonium compounds may include, for example, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds or benzyl ammonium compounds. Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as "quats", generally contain at least one quaternary ammonium cation with a suitable anion. Quaternary ammonium salts generally have the general formula II:

[0042]

[0043] The group R 1 、R 2 、R 3 and R 4 can vary within a wide range, and examples of quaternary ammonium compounds having antimicrobial properties are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, two of R 1 、R 2 、R 3 and R 4 are lower alkyl groups, meaning having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl. In addition, two of R 1 、R 2 、R 3 and R 4 are long-chain alkyl groups having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be straight-chain or branched-chain, or benzyl. M - is a monovalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion. Suitable anions for M - are in principle all inorganic or organic anions, especially halide ions (such as chloride or bromide ions), carboxylate, sulfonate, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate / carbonate or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may have the following R groups: R 1 is benzyl or C 6-18 -alkyl, R 2 is C 1-18 -alkyl or —[(CH2)2—O] n R 5 , where n = 1-20, R3 and R4 are independently of each other C 1-4 alkyl, R 5 is hydrogen or an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, and M -is a monovalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion.

[0044] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound can include a dialkylammonium compound, such as a dimethyldialkylammonium compound. In one embodiment, the dimethyldialkylammonium compound can have from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms in each alkyl group, such as from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms.

[0045] Examples of dimethyldialkylammonium compounds that can be used include dimethyldioctylammonium compounds such as dimethyldioctylammonium chloride, dimethyldidecylammonium compounds such as dimethyldidecylammonium chloride, and the like. Mixtures of dimethyldialkylammonium compounds can also be used, and other anions, such as those described above, can also be used. Commercially available dimethyldialkylammonium compounds include, for example, compositions sold and marketed under the trade name BARDAC by Arxada AG TM under a trade name.

[0046] In another embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can comprise a benzylammonium compound, such as an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound. Generally, the alkyl group can contain from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, such as from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms.

[0047] Examples of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds include C12 alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, C14 alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and C16 alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. In addition, mixtures of these alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds can be used. Commercially available alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds include, for example, compositions sold and marketed by Arxada AG under a trade name. These commercially available alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compounds are blends of C12, C14, and C16 alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides. Generally, it is preferred that when blending, the alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound contains a higher concentration of C12 and C14 alkyl components than the C16 alkyl component. It should be noted that other anions, including those described above, can also be used.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound can include a quaternary ammonium propionate. The quaternary ammonium propionate can, for example, comprise ammonium poly(oxyalkylene) propionate. In one specific embodiment, for example, the first biocide can comprise N,N-didecyl-N-methyl-poly(oxyethyl) ammonium propionate.

[0049] In one aspect, the antimicrobial agent comprises a carbonate / bicarbonate of a quaternary ammonium cation. The quaternary ammonium carbonate can be represented by the following formula:

[0050]

[0051] wherein R 1is C1-C 20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, and R 2 is C8-C 20 alkyl, and preferably wherein R 1 is the same as R 2 and R 1 is C8-C 12 alkyl. The corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate may have the following formula:

[0052]

[0053] wherein R 1 is the same as or different from the above C1-C 20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, and R 2 is the same as or different from the above C8-C 20 alkyl, but preferably wherein R 1 is the same as R 2 and R 1 is C8-C 12 alkyl.

[0054] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent included in the composition comprises di-C8-C 12 alkyl ammonium carbonate / bicarbonate. For example, in one specific embodiment, the disinfectant composition contains didodecyldimethylammonium carbonate, didodecyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0055] However, in other embodiments, the carbonate / bicarbonate of the quaternary ammonium cation may be selected from dioctyldimethylammonium carbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium carbonate, benzalkonium carbonate, benzethonium carbonate, stearalkonium carbonate, cetrimonium carbonate, behentrimonium carbonate, dioctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, benzalkonium bicarbonate, benzethonium bicarbonate, stearalkonium bicarbonate, cetrimonium bicarbonate, behentrimonium bicarbonate, and mixtures of one or more such carbonates.

[0056] Instead of or in addition to quaternary ammonium compounds, the antimicrobial agent may comprise guanidine, particularly biguanide and / or its substituted products, salts, analogs, derivatives, and / or combinations thereof. Biguanide is generally represented by the following formula, but is known to exist in other forms.

[0057]

[0058] wherein R 1 、R 2 、R 3 and R 4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, methylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol, or one of R 1 、R 2 、R 3 and R 4 may be

[0059]

[0060] wherein R 5 、R 6 and R 7 are each independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, methylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol. Substituents for alkyl and phenyl include, but are not limited to, halogen (e.g., chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine), hydroxy, and amino. The alkyl may have 1 to 6 carbons and may be saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched-chain.

[0061] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a polymeric biguanide, also known as polybiguanide, or a salt, analogue, or derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the polybiguanide may be a copolymer or a heteropolymer. The polybiguanide may be linear, branched, cyclic, and / or dendritic. The number of polymer repeat units may vary from 2 to 1,000, such as from 5 to 750, such as from 10 to 500, such as from 25 to 250, such as from 50 to 100 repeat units. In a specific embodiment, the polybiguanide may comprise polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), polyhexamethylene monoguandide (PHMG), polyethylene biguanide (PEB), polytetramethylene biguanide (PTMB), polyethylene hexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), polymethylene biguanide (PMB), poly(allyl biguanide - co - allylamine), poly(N - vinyl - biguanide), polyallyl biguanide, etc.

[0062] For example, in a particular embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may include a polyalkylene biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), also known as polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB). PHMB is generally represented by the following formula, but is known to exist as a complex mixture of polymeric biguanides with various end groups (including guanidine) (not shown).

[0063]

[0064] The value n represents the number of repeating units of the biguanide polymer.

[0065] More specifically, PHMB can be a mixture of various biguanide polymers, which can include different combinations of end groups such as amine, cyanoguanidyl, and guanidine. Based on just these three end groups, there can be at least six possible biguanide polymers. There is a biguanide polymer with two terminal amine groups, which is called PHMB-AA, a biguanide polymer with two terminal cyanoguanidyl groups, which is called PHMB-CGCG, and a biguanide polymer with two terminal guanidine groups, which is called PHMB-GG (see below). There are also three possible biguanide polymers with combinations of two different end groups. Similarly, based on the above end groups, they include amine-cyanoguanidyl (PHMB-ACG), amine-guanidine (PHMB-AG), and guanidine-cyanoguanidyl (GOG). Thus, a sample of PHMB can contain a mixture of polymeric biguanides having the three said end groups. In addition, some compositions can include in-chain polymeric guanidine (not shown). The subscript “n” represents the average number of repeating groups, and for each of the polymers shown below, there is a distribution of polymer lengths.

[0066]

[0067] Wherein n can be from about 1 to about 50, such as from about 1 to about 20.

[0068] Polyhexamethylene biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and is fast-acting. In addition, the antimicrobial agent is stable over a wide pH range.

[0069] In one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent can comprise bis-biguanide. Bis-biguanide is generally represented by the following formula, but is known to exist in other forms.

[0070]

[0071] Wherein A and A 1 each represent (1) a phenyl group, which is optionally substituted by an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, a nitro group, or a halogen atom; (2) an alkyl group having 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; or (3) an alicyclic group having 4 to about 12 carbon atoms; wherein X and X 1 each represent an alkylene group having 1-3 carbon atoms; wherein Z and Z 1 each can be 0 or 1; wherein R and R 1 each represent hydrogen, or an alkyl group having 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to about 12 carbon atoms; wherein n is an integer from 2 to 12, including the end values; and wherein the chain (CH2) nOptionally, it can be separated by an oxygen or sulfur atom, an aryl nucleus, etc., or substituted by a halogen, a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an acetyl group, an aryl nucleus, etc. In one embodiment, the chain (CH2) n Optionally, it can be substituted by a divalent bridging group, where the divalent bridging group can be selected from, but not limited to, an alkylene group, an alicyclic group, a cyclic nucleus, an aromatic nucleus, etc., which can be substituted or separated by an oxygen or sulfur atom, an aromatic nucleus, etc. Exemplary bis-biguanide compounds include, but are not limited to, chlorhexidine, alexidine, trifluoromethylphenyl bis-biguanide, its analogs, derivatives, and / or salts.

[0072] In one aspect, the antimicrobial agent can include chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is generally represented by the following formula.

[0073]

[0074] In one embodiment, chlorhexidine can include chlorhexidine salts. For example, the antimicrobial agent can include chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, or chlorhexidine acetate.

[0075] Another antimicrobial agent that can be incorporated into the disinfectant composition includes phenolic compounds. For example, in one aspect, the phenolic compound can be a halogen-substituted xylenol. An example of a halogen-substituted xylenol is parachlorometaxylenol ("PCMX"). PCMX is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. PCMX is sometimes known by other names, including: chloroxylenol; 4-chloro-3,5-xylenol; 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol; 2-chloro-m-xylenol; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene; 4-chloro-1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzene; and 3,5-dimethyl-4-chlorophenol. It is believed that the PCMX compound has an antimicrobial mechanism of action through the denaturation of proteins and the inactivation of enzymes in microorganisms. The PCMX compound can also alter the permeability of the cell membrane, which may lead to uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, inhibition of active transport, and / or loss of metabolites due to damage to the cytoplasmic membrane. The PCMX compound is considered environmentally friendly. The PCMX compound is usually used in combination with water, an optional surfactant, and a solubilizer. Suitable solubilizers include low molecular weight alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, diols such as propylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol, etc.

[0076] The disinfectant composition can contain a single antimicrobial agent, a mixture of two or more antimicrobial agents from a single type of antimicrobial agent, or can be a mixture of two or more different types of antimicrobial agents. For example, the antimicrobial agent can be a mixture of different quaternary ammonium compounds, a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a PCMX compound, a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a biguanide, and other similar mixtures.

[0077] The disinfectant composition can also contain a single adjuvant, a second adjuvant, or a mixture of two or more adjuvants. For example, in one embodiment, the adjuvant can consist only of a single adjuvant, such as a polyether triamine.

[0078] The amount of the adjuvant, the amount of one or more antimicrobial agents, and the ratios between the different components can vary widely depending on the specific application, the desired end use, the microorganisms to be controlled, etc. In one aspect, the adjuvant or polyetheramine is particularly a polyether triamine. In one aspect, the adjuvant is present in the disinfectant composition in an amount greater than about 100 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 200 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 300 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 400 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 600 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 700 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 800 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 900 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,000 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,100 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,200 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,300 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,400 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,500 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,600 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,700 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,800 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 1,900 ppm, such as in an amount greater than about 2,000 ppm. The adjuvant is typically present in an amount less than about 250,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 15,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 10,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 9,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 8,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 7,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 6,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 5,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 4,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 3,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 2,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 1,000 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 900 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 800 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 700 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 600 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 500 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 400 ppm, such as in an amount less than about 300 ppm in the disinfectant composition. The above concentrations are typically for ready-to-use compositions, but can also cover liquid disinfectant concentrates. However, the liquid disinfectant concentrate can contain an amount of adjuvant from about 500 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, including all increments of 100 ppm therebetween.

[0079] As described above, the amount of the antimicrobial agent included in the disinfectant composition can vary widely depending on the antimicrobial agent present and various other factors. In one aspect, the antimicrobial agent can be present in the ready-to-use disinfectant composition in an amount less than about 1000 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm, such as less than about 450 ppm, such as less than about 400 ppm, such as less than about 350 ppm, such as less than about 300 ppm, such as less than about 250 ppm, such as less than about 200 ppm, such as less than about 150 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, such as less than about 90 ppm, such as less than about 80 ppm, such as less than about 70 ppm, such as less than about 60 ppm, such as less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 40 ppm, such as less than about 30 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, such as less than about 10 ppm. One or more antimicrobial agents are generally present in an amount greater than about 0.01 ppm, such as greater than about 0.1 ppm, such as greater than about 1 ppm, such as greater than about 2 ppm, such as greater than about 4 ppm, such as greater than about 5 ppm, such as greater than about 10 ppm, such as greater than about 15 ppm, such as greater than about 20 ppm, such as greater than about 25 ppm, such as greater than about 30 ppm, such as greater than about 40 ppm, such as greater than about 50 ppm, such as greater than about 60 ppm, such as greater than about 70 ppm, such as greater than about 80 ppm, such as greater than about 90 ppm, such as greater than about 100 ppm, such as greater than about 150 ppm, such as greater than about 200 ppm, such as greater than about 250 ppm, such as greater than about 300 ppm in the disinfectant composition.

[0080] The weight ratio between the adjuvant and one or more antimicrobial agents can generally be from about 1:1 to about 50,000:1. In one aspect, the adjuvant is present in a greater concentration or in a greater amount than one or more antimicrobial agents. In various embodiments, the weight ratio between the adjuvant and one or more antimicrobial agents can be from about 1:1 to about 5,000:1, such as from about 10:1 to about 3,000:1. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio between the adjuvant and one or more antimicrobial agents can be from about 10:1 to about 500:1, such as from about 20:1 to about 400:1, such as from about 100:1 to about 300:1. However, the above weight ratios are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention.

[0081] When the adjuvant of the present disclosure is combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in a disinfectant composition, a particularly significant synergistic effect has been observed. Thus, when the disinfectant composition contains one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, the ready-to-use composition can contain one or more quaternary ammonium compounds at concentrations far lower than about 100 ppm, such as less than about 75 ppm, such as less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 40 ppm, such as less than about 30 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, such as less than about 10 ppm. For example, a very effective disinfectant composition can be formulated according to the present disclosure, wherein the composition contains one or more quaternary ammonium compounds at a concentration of about 0.5 ppm to about 20 ppm, such as about 1.25 ppm to about 8 ppm. The adjuvant can be present in the composition at a weight ratio of about 10:1 to about 4,000:1, such as about 20:1 to about 2,000:1, such as about 150:1 to about 1,000:1, relative to at least one quaternary ammonium compound. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant is present in the composition at a weight ratio of about 20:1 to 200:1 relative to at least one quaternary ammonium compound.

[0082] For example, in one embodiment, when the adjuvant of the present disclosure is combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in a disinfectant composition, when tested for a 60-second contact time against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to the modified test EN 1040, the disinfectant composition can show a reduction of greater than 2 log, such as greater than 3 log, such as greater than 4 log, such as even greater than 5 log.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, when the adjuvant of the present disclosure is combined with one or more quaternary ammonium compounds in a disinfectant composition, when tested for a 60-second contact time against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to the modified test EN 1040, the disinfectant composition can show a reduction of greater than about 2.5 log, such as greater than about 3.5 log, such as greater than about 4.5 log, such as even greater than about 5.25 log.

[0084] A variety of different quaternary ammonium compounds can be used. In one aspect, the composition can contain at least one dimethyldialkylammonium chloride, such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride. In one aspect, the composition can contain octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0085] In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition can contain a combination of an adjuvant and an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. For example, the composition can contain tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and hexadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

[0086] In another aspect, the adjuvant can be combined with quaternary ammonium carbonate and / or bicarbonate to form a disinfectant composition. For example, the quaternary ammonium compound can be a blend of ammonium dicoco dimethyl carbonate and ammonium dicoco dimethyl bicarbonate. In addition to being effective antimicrobial agents, quaternary ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate are also corrosion inhibitors.

[0087] In another aspect, the disinfectant composition contains guanamine in combination with an adjuvant. For example, the guanamine can be chlorhexidine. In one aspect, the adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio of from about 80:1 to about 8,000:1, such as from about 100:1 to about 2,000:1, relative to chlorhexidine.

[0088] In another aspect, the disinfecting composition can contain an adjuvant in combination with polyhexamethylene biguanide. For illustrative purposes only, in one aspect, the adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio of from about 50:1 to about 5,000:1, such as from about 100:1 to about 3,000:1, relative to polyhexamethylene biguanide.

[0089] In still another aspect, the adjuvant can be present in combination with halogenated xylenol to produce a disinfectant composition. The halogenated xylenol can be parachlorometaxylenol. The adjuvant can be present in a weight ratio of from about 1:1 to about 10,000:1, such as from about 100:1 to about 5,000:1, relative to the halogenated xylenol.

[0090] As described above, in one aspect, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be formulated as a liquid concentrate that can be diluted with a solvent before use. In the liquid concentrate, the amount of the antimicrobial agent will be higher than the typical final usage amount.

[0091] Dilution of the disinfection concentrate is typically carried out with an aqueous solvent before use. One particular aqueous solvent that can be used is water. The dilution can be any amount of solvent required to dilute the concentrate to the desired active ingredient level for its intended use. Typically, a set amount of the concentrate is added to a specified amount of the solvent. For example, for a dilution rate of 1:16, one ounce of the concentrate can be added to one pint of the solvent; for a dilution rate of 1:32, 1 ounce of the concentrate can be added to 1 quart of the solvent; for a dilution rate of 1:64, 1 ounce of the concentrate can be added to 1 / 2 gallon of the solvent; for a dilution rate of 1:128, one ounce of the concentrate can be added to one gallon of water, and so on. Similarly, metric dilution rates can also be used, such as for a dilution rate of 1:100, 10 mL / liter, etc.

[0092] When included in a disinfectant composition, the antimicrobial agent and the adjuvant can be combined with a variety of different components. For example, in one embodiment, a solvent can be present in the product. Generally, the solvent should be a polar solvent such as water, or a water-miscible solvent such as an alcohol and / or a glycol ether. In addition to water, the disinfectant composition can also contain water-miscible organic solvents. Examples of water-miscible solvents include ethanol, propanol, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monon-butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, and combinations thereof.

[0093] In addition to the solvent, the disinfectant composition can contain a surfactant. Generally, the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant. The surfactant is present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the disinfectant concentrate. Generally, the surfactant accounts for 2% to 15% of the weight of the concentrate.

[0094] Particularly suitable surfactants are alkoxylated alcohol surfactants, which generally have about 2 to about 8 moles of alkoxylation. Generally, 3 to 6 moles of alkoxylation will be present. A specific example is about 4.5 moles of alkoxylation. In addition to having a degree of alkoxylation, the alcohol as the alkoxide will be a C4-C12 alkyl alcohol. In one embodiment, the alkyl alcohol is a C8-C10 alkyl alcohol. The alkoxylation can be ethoxylation. Generally, it is desirable that the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) is in the range of 8-14, more usually between 10 and 12, such as about 11.

[0095] Nonionic surfactants useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ethers, glucoside alkyl ethers, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, octyl glucoside, polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenol ether, glycerol alkyl esters, glycerol laurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, dodecyldimethylamine oxide, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamers, and polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA) and mixtures thereof. The amount of nonionic surfactant in the concentrate is about 1 to about 8% w / w% of the formulation. Generally, the concentrate contains 2 to 5 w / w% of nonionic surfactant. The amount of nonionic surfactant in the ready-to-use product is about 0.05 to about 3 w / w% of the solution. In another embodiment, the nonionic surfactant in the product is about 0.05 to about 1.5 w / w% of the solution. Generally, the disinfectant composition contains 0.06-1 w / w% of nonionic surfactant.

[0096] In another embodiment, the nonionic surfactant for use in the present invention can be disodium cocoamphodiacetate. Disodium cocoamphodiacetate is a coconut oil-substituted imidazoline, which is commonly used in personal care products such as shampoos and conditioners, liquid soaps, cleaning detergents, and general and industrial cleaners because it is highly foaming and has excellent hydrotropic ability. In addition, mixtures of disodium cocoamphodiacetate and other surfactants can be used. Commercially available disodium cocoamphodiacetate compounds include, for example, the composition sold and marketed under the trade name K-2 by Arxada AG.

[0097] Additionally, the disinfectant composition can contain an optional chelating agent. Chelating agents include, for example, acetic acid derivatives selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and tetrasodium EDTA. Chelating agents can also be used to bind other metal ions that may adversely affect the effectiveness of the disinfecting components in the composition. In addition, chelating agents can also assist in soil removal and / or prevent soil redeposition onto the disinfectant composition during use. When present in the concentrate, the chelating agent is typically present in an amount of up to about 20% by weight, and is typically present in an amount of about 2 to about 8% by weight.

[0098] Typically, suitable chelating agents include methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), diethylethylenediamine pentamethylenephosphonic acid (DETPMP), hydroxyethylethylenediamine diacetic acid (HEIDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), aspartic acid diethoxysuccinic acid (AES), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), diethylethylenediamine pentamethylenephosphonic acid (DTPMPA), hydroxyethylenediamine triacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediamine triacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric acid (IDF), iminoditartaric acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediamine difumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediamine dimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamine ditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediamine dimaleic acid (EDDMAL), and aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP). In one aspect, the chelating agent is selected from iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), hydroxyethylenediamine triacetic acid (HEDTA), hydroxyethylethylenediamine triacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric acid (IDF), iminoditartaric acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), iminodimalic acid (IDM), ethylenediamine difumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediamine dimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamine ditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediamine dimaleic acid (EDDMAL), and aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP).

[0099] In a specific embodiment, for example, the chelating agent is methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA). Commercially available MGDA reagents include, for example, the compositions sold and marketed under the trade name by BASF Corporation.

[0100] When the chelating agent comprises MGDA, the MGDA can be present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.01 wt%, for example greater than about 0.5 wt%, for example greater than about 1.0 wt%, and less than about 20 wt%, for example less than about 15 wt%, for example less than about 10 wt%, for example less than about 8 wt%, for example less than about 5 wt%.

[0101] The disinfectant composition may further contain a pH regulator. Suitable pH regulators include sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, monoethanolamine, and other similar compounds. In the present invention, the concentrate and the final disinfectant composition will have a pH in the range of from about 1 to about 14, for example in the range of from about 6 to about 13. Generally, if the pH is in the range of from about 6 to about 8, the disinfectant composition will be considered a neutral disinfectant composition. When the pH is in the range above 8 to about 12, the disinfectant composition will be considered an alkaline disinfectant composition.

[0102] The disinfectant composition may optionally further contain a corrosion inhibitor, a complexing agent, an adjuvant, a preservative, an aromatic, a colorant, etc. Exemplary corrosion inhibitors include, for example, organic phosphorus compounds and blends of organic phosphorus compounds with polymer components. Exemplary adjuvants include, for example, polyethylene glycol or other similar compounds. Colorants and aromatics may be added provided that they do not interfere with the function of the composition and can be used to identify the composition. Generally, the optional additional components will account for less than about 20% by weight of the composition.

[0103] The disinfectant composition may also contain at least one acid or its salt. The acid may be an inorganic acid or an organic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the acid is a C1-C8 carboxylic acid. In a specific embodiment, the acid is a monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, or a mixture thereof. In a further embodiment, the acid is a hydroxy acid, an aromatic acid, or a mixture thereof. In yet a further embodiment, the acid is methanesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, etidronic acid, phytic acid, phosphonoacetic acid, N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylphosphonic acid), S,S-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, their basic salts, or any mixture thereof.

[0104] In some embodiments, the acid is citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, S,S-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), pyridine dicarboxylic acid (DPA), methanesulfonic acid (MSA), their basic salts, or any mixture thereof.

[0105] In one embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids. In some embodiments, the acid includes one or more of the following organic acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid. In another embodiment, the acid comprises one or more of the following acids: citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid, in combination with another acid. For example, citric acid can be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its basic salts, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, succinic acid can be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its basic salts, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, phosphoric acid can be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its basic salts, HEDP, and / or MSA. As another example, lactic acid can be used in combination with ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its basic salts, HEDP, and / or MSA.

[0106] The disinfectant composition can include from about 1% to about 5% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, in combination with another acid. In another aspect, the composition can comprise from about 1% to about 5% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, and from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of another acid. In another embodiment, the composition can comprise from about 2% to about 4% by weight of an organic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, or any mixture thereof, and from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of another acid, such as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or its basic salts, HEDP, and / or MSA.

[0107] Various different disinfectant compositions can be prepared according to the present invention. The disinfectant compositions can be used, for example, for cleaning hard surfaces, pre-cleaning and sterilizing or high-level disinfecting instruments, and / or as a hand disinfectant.

[0108] When used as a hard surface cleaner, the disinfectant composition can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected by conventional methods, such as pouring the composition onto the surface; spraying; applying it to the surface through a spraying device, which includes but is not limited to pump spray applicators, pressurized spray applicators, etc.; impregnated wipes; rags and buckets; mops and buckets; sponges and buckets; or applying the disinfectant composition to the surface through automatic cleaning equipment and other similar and conventional means for the purpose of disinfecting or sterilizing the surface.

[0109] To use the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, the disinfectant composition is applied to the surface by spraying, pouring, wiping, or otherwise, and the surface is treated with a substrate. Once applied to the surface, the disinfectant composition is allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition can be applied to the surface and allowed to dry, or alternatively, it can be dried by wiping the surface with a dry wipe or wiping device.

[0110] Surfaces that can be disinfected with the composition include, but are not limited to, those in dairy plants, homes, healthcare facilities, swimming pools, canneries, food processing plants, restaurants, hospitals, institutions, and industries (including secondary oil recovery). Hard surfaces, such as glass and polished aluminum, are particularly suitable for application. Specific areas of target application include hard surfaces in the home, such as kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, waste cans, laundry areas, trash cans, bathroom fixtures, toilets, water tanks, faucets, mirrors, vanities, bathtubs, and showers. The composition can also be used to disinfect floors, walls, furniture, mirrors, toilet fixtures, windows, and wood surfaces, such as fence rails, porch rails, decks, roofs, siding, window frames, and door frames. The disinfectant composition is particularly suitable for indirect food contact surfaces, such as cutting boards, utensils, containers, tableware, vanities, equipment, and countertops. The disinfectant composition can be used to disinfect dairy plant equipment, milking machines, milk cans, tank trucks, etc. Areas in hospitals will include beds, gurneys, tables, cans, toilets, waste cans, stands, cabinets, shower stalls, floors, walls, or any other non-porous surface.

[0111] A particularly useful method of application is to impregnate the disinfectant composition into a wipe substrate. In this embodiment, the wipe is a disposable wipe that is impregnated with the disinfectant composition and stored in a container that dispenses the wipe to the user. A container with wipes can contain a single wipe or several wipes. Suitable containers include pouches containing a single wipe, such as a wet towel torn open by the user, or can be a pouch with a resealable opening that contains several wipes in a stacked, rolled, or other suitable form that allows a single wipe to be removed from the opening at a time. Pouches are typically prepared from fluid-impermeable materials, such as films, coated papers, or foils or other similar fluid-impermeable materials. Another way to dispense the wipes of the present invention is to place the wipes in a fluid-impermeable container that has an opening to access the wipes in the container. The container can be a molded plastic container with a fluid-impermeable lid. Typically, the lid will have an opening to access the wipes in the container. The wipes in the container can be stacked in an interleaved manner such that when a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is positioned in the opening of the container, ready for the user to remove the next wipe. Alternatively, the wipe can be a continuous material that is perforated between individual wipes of the continuous material. The continuous wipe material with perforations can be in a folded form or can be in a rolled form. Typically, in the rolled form, the wipe material is fed from the center of the rolled material. As with the interleaved stack, when a wipe is removed from the container, the next wipe is positioned in the opening so that the next wipe can be removed when needed.

[0112] A disinfecting composition can be impregnated into a wipe such that the wipe is pre-moistened and expresses or releases the disinfecting composition onto a surface to be treated when the wipe runs across the surface. Typically, the disinfecting composition is saturated into the wipe such that the wipe will release the disinfecting composition onto the surface by wiping action.

[0113] Depending on the wipe substrate, saturation is typically achieved using about 3 parts by weight of the disinfecting composition used per 1 part by weight of the wipe substrate to be saturated. Typically, about 4 to 6 parts by weight of the disinfecting composition are used per 1 part of the wipe substrate. Within these ranges, complete saturation of the substrate can be achieved. It should be noted that the amount of the disinfecting solution can be increased or decreased to achieve complete saturation of the wipe substrate, depending on the particular wipe substrate.

[0114] Suitable wipe substrates include woven and non-woven materials. Essentially any non-woven web material can be used. Exemplary non-woven materials can include, but are not limited to, meltblown non-woven materials, coform non-woven materials, spunbond non-woven materials, airlaid non-woven materials, hydroentangled non-woven materials, spunlace non-woven materials, bonded carded webs, and laminates thereof. Optionally, the non-woven material can also be laminated with a film material. The fibers used to prepare the wipe substrate can be cellulose fibers, thermoplastic fibers, and mixtures thereof. The fibers can also be continuous fibers, discontinuous fibers, staple fibers, and mixtures thereof. The basis weight of the non-woven web can vary in the range of about 12 grams per square meter to about 200 grams per square meter or greater.

[0115] In one embodiment, the wipe is impregnated with a liquid composition that contains an active ingredient and an inert ingredient within an allowable tolerance level, and the disinfecting composition extruded from the wipe contains the active ingredient within an allowable tolerance level. Once applied to the surface, the disinfecting composition is allowed to remain on the surface for a period of time. The disinfectant composition can be applied to the surface and allowed to dry, or alternatively, can be dried by wiping the surface with a preferably unused dry wipe or wiping device.

[0116] When using the wipe or disinfecting composition of the present invention to wipe a surface, disinfection is achieved in less than 4 minutes, typically 3 minutes or less, 90 seconds or less, or even 60 seconds or less. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the time for the antimicrobial disinfecting composition to remain in contact with the surface to be disinfected sufficient to cause disinfection to occur.

[0117] In yet another embodiment, the disinfectant composition can be used as a hand disinfectant. When used as a hand disinfectant, the antimicrobial agent of the present disclosure can be combined with any of the above ingredients. In one embodiment, for example, the antimicrobial agent can be combined with a solvent (such as water and / or alcohol). In a particular application, a foaming agent can be added, which causes the composition to foam when pumped from a dispenser. The foaming agent can comprise any suitable foaming agent that is compatible with the antimicrobial agent. In one embodiment, for example, the foaming agent can comprise a polydimethylsiloxane copolymer alcohol surfactant or other similar reagents that can foam the hand disinfectant.

[0118] In one embodiment, the disinfectant composition can be used for the disinfection of instruments, such as for pre-cleaning and disinfection or terminal, high-level disinfection of devices, medical devices or endoscopes. In one embodiment, when processing an instrument during a manual process, the disinfectant composition can be applied by immersing the instrument in a suitable concentration of the disinfectant composition. For example, a plastic or metal container, a stainless steel sink or any other suitable container can be used as a vessel for containing the disinfectant composition. In one example, complete immersion of the instrument or device or endoscope (including voids, lumens and hollow parts) may be necessary. When used for the disinfection of instruments such as endoscopes, the channels of the endoscope and other instruments may need to be rinsed. Generally, after disinfection, the instrument must be thoroughly rinsed and flushed with water, preferably with a large amount of water.

[0119] In another embodiment, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be incorporated into many different end-use formulations or products. As used herein, "end-use formulation" or "end-use product" is intended to refer to personal care or household care products or industrial formulations.

[0120] Personal care or household care product formulations generally comprise a base composition to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added. Depending on the end-use application, the base composition can contain many different ingredients. Personal care or household care product formulations can, for example, contain other solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, complexing agents, corrosion inhibitors, alkaline builders, pH regulators, adjuvants, acids, foaming agents, colorants, UV blockers, waxes, natural extracts, oils, consistency factors, conditioners, emollients, skin care ingredients, humectants, thickeners, moisturizers, fillers, antioxidants, other preservatives, active ingredients, especially dermatologically active ingredients, fragrances, etc., and mixtures thereof. Active ingredients as mentioned herein include, for example, reagents such as anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, etc. Active ingredients that are particularly suitable for topical application are particularly preferred.

[0121] Suitable surfactants for the base composition include: alkyl sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate; sodium cetearyl sulfate; alkyl sulfonacetates such as sodium lauryl sulfonacetate; alkyl ether sulfates such as sodium laureth sulfate; sodium trideceth sulfate; sodium olethsulfate; ammonium laureth sulfate; alkyl ether sulfosuccinates such as disodium laureth sulfosuccinate; alkyl glycosides such as decyl glucoside; lauryl glucoside; alkyl hydroxyethyl sulfonate amphoteric surfactants such as cocamidopropyl betaine; sodium cocoyl amphoacetate; sodium lauroyl amphoacetate; disodium lauroyl amphodiacetate; disodium cocoyl amphodiacetate; sodium lauroyl amphopropionate; disodium lauroyl dihydroxypropylsulfonate; potassium or ammonium salts of the above amphoteric surfactants; capryloyl / capramide propyl betaine; undecylenamide propyl betaine; lauramide propyl betaine; and fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ethers.

[0122] Suitable emulsifiers for the base composition are, for example, anionic surfactants such as fatty acid salts, such as sodium stearate or sodium palmitate, organic soaps such as mono-, di- or triethanolamine esters, sulfated or sulfonated compounds such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium cetylsulfonate, saponins, lamepones; cationics such as quaternary ammonium salts; nonionic surfactants such as fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, polyoxyethylene esters or polyoxyethylene ethers of fatty acids, polymers from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or propylene glycol, amphoteric surfactants such as phospholipids, proteins such as gelatin, casein alkylamidobetaines, alkylbetaines and amphoglycinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl polyoxyethylene phosphates or the corresponding acids, silicone derivatives such as alkyl dimethiconecoplyol.

[0123] Suitable consistency factors for the base composition are, for example, fatty alcohols or mixtures thereof with fatty acid esters, such as acetylated lanolin alcohol, aluminum stearate, carbomer, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate (and) PEG100 stearate, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, oleic acid, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, carnauba wax, beeswax and their synthetic equivalents, carbomer, etc. Suitable conditioning agents are, for example, ammonium alkylamido lactate, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and diethyl stearoyl ethyl hydroxyethyl methyl sulfate and cetearyl alcohol, cetyl dimethicone, cetyl ricinoleate, dimethicone, laureth-23, laureth-4, polydecene, retinyl palmitate, quaternized protein hydrolysates, quaternized cellulose and starch derivatives, quaternized copolymers of acrylic or methacrylic acid or their salts, quaternized silicone derivatives.

[0124] Suitable emollients for the base composition are, for example, cetearyl isononanoate, cetearyl octanoate, decyl oleate, isooctyl stearate, coco-caprylate / caprate, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, ethylhexyl isononanoate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, oleyl oleate, hexyl laurate, paraffinum liquidum, PEG-75 lanolin, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, petrolatum, ozokerite, cyclomethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, di-n-octyl ether, butyrospermum parkii, buxus chinensis, rapeseed, carnauba wax, copernicia cerifera, oenothera biennis, elaeis guineensis, prunus dulcis, squalane, corn, glycine soja, sunflower, lanolin, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenated polyisobutene, sucrose cocoate, stearoxy dimethicone, lanolin alcohol, isododecane.

[0125] Suitable skin care components for the base composition are, for example, plant extracts, bisabolol, anti-inflammatory agents, urea, allantoin, panthenol and panthenol derivatives, phytantriol, vitamins A, E, C, D, ceramides of animal or plant origin, lecithin, etc.

[0126] Suitable humectants for the base composition are, for example, butylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, dimyristyl tartrate, glucose glycereth-26, glycerol, glyceryl stearate, hydrolyzed milk protein, lactic acid, lactose and other sugars, laureth-8, lecithin, octyldodecyl glycerin, PEG-12, PEG 135, PEG-150, PEG-20, PEG-8, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, phytantriol, polyquaternium-39, PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, propylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodium PCA, sorbitol, succinoglycan, synthetic beeswax, tricetyl citrate, starch.

[0127] Suitable thickeners for the base composition are, for example, acrylate / steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, carbomer, carboxymethyl starch, beeswax, dimethicone / vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, propylene glycol alginate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, silica, silica dimethyl silylate, xanthan gum, hydrogenated butene / ethylene / styrene copolymer.

[0128] Suitable humectants for the base composition are, for example, adipic acid, fumaric acid and their salts, benzoic acid and its salts, glyceryl triacetate, sodium lauryl sulfate or magnesium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, boric acid, monolaurate or monopalmitate, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, talc, calcium or magnesium salts of higher fatty acids, mono-, di- or triglycerides of higher fatty acids, polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0129] Suitable antioxidants for the base composition are, for example, sulfites such as sodium sulfite, tocopherol or its derivatives, ascorbic acid or its derivatives, citric acid, propyl gallate, chitosan glycolate, cysteine, N-acetylcysteine plus zinc sulfate, thiosulfates such as sodium thiosulfate, polyphenols, etc.

[0130] The preparation may further contain active ingredients, such as antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, plant extracts, bisabolol, panthenol, tocopherol, active substances for anti-sting, anti-irritation or anti-dandruff applications, or anti-aging agents such as retinol, melibiose, etc. Other suitable active substances are, for example, Medicago officinalis, Actinidia chinensis, allantoin, Aloe barbadensis, Anona cherimolia, Anthemis nobilis, Arachis hypogaea, Arnica Montana, Avena sativa, β-carotene, bisabolol, Borago officinalis, butanediol, Calendula officinalis, Camellia sinensis, camphor, Candida bombicola, capryloyl glycine, Carica papaya, Centaurea cyanus, cetylpyridinium chloride, Chamomilla recutita, Chenopodium quinoa, Chinchona succirubra, Chordrus crispus, Citrus aurantium dulcis, Citrus grandis, Citrus limonum, Cocos nucifera, Coffea Arabica, Crataegus monogina, Cucumis melo, dichlorophenylimidazoldioxolan, Enteromorpha compressa, Equisetum arvense, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl panthenol, farnesol, ferulic acid, Fragaria chiloensis, Gentiana lutea, ginkgo, glycerol, glyceryl laurate, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hamamelis virginiana, heliotropine, hydrogenated palm glyceride, citrate, hydrolyzed castor oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, HypericumHypericum perforatum, Iris florentina, Juniperus communis, Lactis proteinum, lactose, Lawsonia inermis, linalool, Linum usitatissimum, lysine, magnesium aspartate, Magnifera indica, Malva sylvestris, mannitol, Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha piperita, menthol, menthyl lactate, Mimosa tenuiflora, Nymphaea alba, olaflur, Oryza sativa, panthenol, liquid paraffin, PEG-20M, PEG-26 jojoba acid, PEG-26 jojoba alcohol, PEG-35 castor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-8 caprylic / capric acid, Persea gratissima, petrolatum, potassium aspartate, potassium sorbate, propylene glycol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus persica, retinyl palmitate, Ricinus communis, Rosa canina, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rubus idaeus, salicylic acid, Sambucus nigra, sarcosine, Serenoa serrulata, Simmondsia chinensis, sodium carboxymethyl β-glucan, sodium cocoyl amino acid, sodium hyaluronate, sodium palmitoyl praline, stearyloxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, sulfated TEA-castor oil acid ester, talc, Thymus vulgaris, Tilia cordata, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, trideceth-9, Triticum vulgare, tyrosine, undecylenoyl glycine, urea, Vaccinium myrtillus, valine, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate.

[0131] The base composition of a personal care or household care product to which the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure is added can be various types of products.

[0132] For example, household or personal care formulations can include cosmetic products, deodorant products, hair care products, oral care products, skin care products, bath products, sun protection products, fabric care products, dishwashing liquid products, fragrance preparations, hard surface cleaning products or toilet care products.

[0133] Cosmetic products can include, but are not limited to, body color products, eye cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow color, and eyeshadow, face cosmetics such as blush, bronzer, concealer, foundation, powder, and primer, lip cosmetics such as lipsticks and lip balms, and nail cosmetics.

[0134] In one aspect, the eye cosmetic is mascara. The mascara can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a consistency factor, pigments, emollients, thickeners, and film formers. Particularly suitable consistency factors for use in mascara include beeswax and carnauba wax. Particularly suitable emollients for use in mascara include cetyl alcohol. Particularly suitable thickeners for use in mascara include acacia senegal gum.

[0135] In another aspect, the eye cosmetic is eyeliner. The eyeliner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, pigments, film formers, emollients, thickeners, binders, solvents, and opacifiers. Particularly suitable emollients for use in eyeliner include glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners for use in eyeliner include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable solvents for use in eyeliner include ethanol, and particularly suitable opacifiers for use in eyeliner include titanium dioxide.

[0136] In another embodiment, the lip cosmetic is a lipstick. The lipstick can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, emollients, humectants, occlusives, flavoring agents, fragrances, sun protection ingredients, antioxidants, healing agents, and pigments. Particularly suitable emollients and humectants for use in lip balms include beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, lanolin, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable occlusives for use in lipsticks include petrolatum and castor oil. Particularly suitable antioxidants for use in lipsticks include vitamin E and aloe vera extract, and particularly suitable healing agents for use in lipsticks include allantoin and calendula extract.

[0137] In a specific embodiment, the personal care product is a deodorant. Deodorant products can include roll-on deodorant products, spray deodorant products, stick deodorant products, or wipe deodorant products. Although the ingredients in deodorant products can vary depending on whether the product is a stick product, roll-on product, gel product, cream product, or spray product, many ingredients remain consistent in all deodorant product formulations.

[0138] Deodorant products can, for example, contain the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure, antiperspirant active ingredients, odor-fighting ingredients, emollients, humectants, thickeners, stabilizers, skin conditioners, antibacterial agents, solvents, and propellants. Particularly suitable antiperspirant active ingredients used in deodorant products include aluminum compounds such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum glycine tetrachlorohydrate. Particularly suitable odor-fighting ingredients used in deodorant products include fragrances, sodium bicarbonate, and zinc compounds such as zinc ricinoleate. Particularly suitable emollients and humectants used in deodorant products include glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable skin conditioners used in deodorant products include aloe vera and vitamin E (such as tocopheryl acetate). Particularly suitable antibacterial agents used in deodorant products include triclosan, and particularly suitable solvents used in deodorant products include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable emollients and humectants used in deodorant products include glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil.

[0139] Hair care products can include, but are not limited to, conditioners, shampoos, styling products, hair treatment products, and hair dyes.

[0140] In one aspect, the hair care product is a conditioner. The conditioner can contain the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure, water, emollients, surfactants, silicones, natural oils, humectants, panthenol, fragrances, and pH regulators. Particularly suitable emollients used in the conditioner include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Particularly suitable surfactants used in the conditioner include cationic surfactants such as cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride. Particularly suitable siloxanes used in the conditioner include polydimethylsiloxane and cyclomethicone. Particularly suitable natural oils used in the conditioner include argan oil and coconut oil, and particularly suitable humectants used in the conditioner include glycerin. Particularly suitable pH regulators used in the conditioner include citric acid.

[0141] In another aspect, the hair care product is a shampoo. The shampoo can contain the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide DEA, or cocamide MEA, conditioners, fragrances, citric acid, sodium chloride, diglycerin stearate, and natural extracts or oils. Particularly suitable surfactants used in the shampoo include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Particularly suitable conditioners used in the shampoo include polyquaternium-10 and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Particularly suitable natural extracts or oils used in the shampoo include aloe vera and tea tree oil.

[0142] Oral care products can include, but are not limited to, toothpaste and mouthwash.

[0143] In one aspect, the oral care product is toothpaste. The toothpaste can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an abrasive, a fluoride, a detergent, a humectant, a binder, a flavoring agent, a sweetening agent, a desensitizing agent, and a whitening agent. Particularly suitable abrasives used in toothpaste include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable fluoride compounds used in toothpaste include sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate. Particularly suitable detergents used in toothpaste include sodium lauryl sulfate. Particularly suitable humectants used in toothpaste include glycerol and sorbitol. Particularly suitable binders used in toothpaste include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable flavoring agents used in toothpaste include mint and spearmint. Particularly suitable sweetening agents used in toothpaste include saccharin and sorbitol. Particularly suitable desensitizing agents used in toothpaste include potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Particularly suitable whitening agents used in toothpaste include hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate.

[0144] In another aspect, the oral care product is mouthwash. The mouthwash can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, an alcohol, an antimicrobial agent, a flavoring agent, a sweetening agent, a coloring agent, a pH regulator, a preservative, a fluoride, and a desensitizing agent. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds used in mouthwash include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable antimicrobial agents used in mouthwash include cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. Particularly suitable flavoring agents used in mouthwash include menthol and eucalyptus. Particularly suitable sweetening agents used in mouthwash include saccharin and xylitol. Particularly suitable pH regulators used in mouthwash include sodium hydroxide and citric acid.

[0145] Skin care products include, but are not limited to, body care cosmetics, eye care cosmetics, facial and neck care cosmetics, foot care cosmetics, lip care cosmetics, sunscreens, after-sun cosmetics, and self-tanning cosmetics.

[0146] In one aspect, the skin care product is a sunscreen. The sunscreen can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an active sunscreen ingredient, an emollient, an emulsifier, a thickener, an antioxidant, a fragrance, water, and a pH regulator. Particularly suitable active sunscreen ingredients used in sunscreen include avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Particularly suitable emollients used in sunscreen include glycerol and caprylic / capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in sunscreen include cetearyl alcohol and polysorbate 60. Particularly suitable thickeners used in sunscreen include xanthan gum. Particularly suitable antioxidants used in sunscreen include vitamin E and green tea extract. Particularly suitable pH regulators used in sunscreen include citric acid.

[0147] Bathing products include, but are not limited to, facial cleansers, body cleansers, hand cleansers, soap bars, liquid soaps, personal hygiene products, and pre-moistened wipes.

[0148] In one aspect, the bathing product is a facial cleanser. The facial cleanser may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, an emollient, an emulsifier, a humectant, a preservative, a fragrance or essential oil, an exfoliant, and an anti-acne ingredient. Particularly suitable emollients for use in facial cleansers include glycerin and caprylic / capric triglyceride. Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in facial cleansers include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable humectants used in facial cleansers include propylene glycol. Particularly suitable exfoliants used in facial cleansers include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Particularly suitable anti-acne ingredients used in facial cleansers include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

[0149] In another aspect, the bathing product is a body cleanser. The body cleanser may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, an emollient, a humectant, and a fragrance or essential oil. Particularly suitable surfactants used in body cleansers include sodium laureth sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in body cleansers include shea butter and jojoba oil. Particularly suitable humectants used in body cleansers include glycerin.

[0150] In yet another aspect, the bathing product is a hand cleanser. The hand cleanser may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, an alcohol compound, water, an emollient and a humectant, a thickener, and a fragrance. Particularly suitable alcohol compounds used in hand cleansers include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Particularly suitable emollients and humectants used in the present invention include aloe vera and glycerin. Particularly suitable thickeners used in hand cleansers include carbomer.

[0151] In another aspect, the bathing product is a soap bar. The soap bar may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, sodium tallowate or sodium palmitate, sodium cocoate, a fragrance or essential oil, and a colorant.

[0152] In one aspect, the bathing product is a liquid soap. The liquid soap may contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, a surfactant, an emollient, a humectant, and a fragrance or essential oil. Particularly suitable surfactants used in liquid soaps include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in liquid soaps include glycerin and shea butter. Particularly suitable wetting agents used in liquid soaps include propylene glycol.

[0153] The disinfectant composition can also be incorporated into household care products, such as fabric care products, dishwashing liquids, hard surface cleaners, and bathroom care products. Household care product formulations can include general cleaners and other similar formulations used in the home.

[0154] Fabric care products include, but are not limited to, fabric conditioners, liquid laundry detergents, laundry detergent pods or capsules, ironing aids, stain removal liquids, carpet cleaners, washing machine cleaning solutions, and fabric brightening solutions.

[0155] In one aspect, the fabric care product is a laundry detergent. Although the ingredients in laundry detergents can vary depending on whether the product is a liquid, pod, or capsule, many ingredients remain consistent across all laundry detergent product formulations.

[0156] Thus, in another embodiment, the laundry detergent can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, enzymes, dyes, color - adjusting dyes, chelating agents, stabilizers, free - radical scavengers, fragrances, optical brighteners, foam suppressants, soil - suspending polymers, soil - release polymers, dye - transfer inhibitors, fabric softening additives, rheology modifiers, washing or cleaning aids, and other polymers.

[0157] Particularly suitable surfactants used in laundry detergents include non - ionic surfactants, such as alkoxylated fatty alcohol non - ionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants, such as β - N - alkylaminopropionic acid, N - alkyl - β - iminodipropionic acid, imidazoline carboxylates, amine oxides, sulfobetaines, betaines, phosphocholines, propionates, dipropionates, sodium cocoamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, 3 - [(3 - cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1 - propanesulfonate (CHAPS), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPtdCho), sodium lauroamphoacetate, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0158] Particularly suitable enzymes used in laundry detergents include proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases, mannanases, pectate lyases, subtilisins, and mixtures thereof.

[0159] Particularly suitable color - adjusting dyes used in laundry detergents include Basic Violet 3 (CI 42555) and Basic Violet 4 (CI 42600), both of which are commercially available from Standard Dyes.

[0160] Particularly suitable chelating agents used in laundry detergents include DTPA, HEDP, DTPMP, GLDA, MGDA, citrates, EDTA, IDS, pyridine dicarboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0161] Particularly suitable free radical scavengers for use in laundry detergents include trimethoxybenzoic acid.

[0162] Particularly suitable optical brighteners for use in laundry detergents include Tinopal CBS-X.

[0163] Particularly suitable foam suppressants for use in laundry detergents include non-fatty acid foam suppressants such as silica / silicone, silicone oil, alcohols such as branched alcohols, polydimethylsiloxane and mixtures thereof.

[0164] Particularly suitable soil suspending polymers for use in laundry detergents include PEI ethoxylates, HDMA diquate ethoxylates, sulfonated derivatives and hydrophobically modified copolymers.

[0165] Particularly suitable soil removal polymers for use in laundry detergents include PET alkoxylate short block copolymers.

[0166] Particularly suitable dye transfer inhibitors and dye fixatives included in laundry detergents include copolymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole and mixtures thereof.

[0167] Particularly suitable fabric softening additives for use in laundry detergents include alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, ester quaternary ammonium compounds, bentonite, polysiloxanes, cationic polysiloxanes and mixtures thereof.

[0168] Particularly suitable rheology modifiers for use in laundry detergents include methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum and hydroxypropyl guar gum, succinoglycan and glyceryl trihydroxystearate.

[0169] Particularly suitable washing or cleaning aids for use in laundry detergents include ethanolamine citrate, ethanolamine laurate, ethanolamine palmitate, ethanolamine oleate, ethanolamine stearate, C16-C18 fatty acids, C18 unsaturated fatty acids, pentasodium pentetate, sodium laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristate, sodium oleate, sodium palmitate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium stearate and mixtures thereof.

[0170] Particularly suitable stabilizers and blending aids for use in laundry detergents include calcium formate, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, alcohols, ethanolamine, glycerol, hydrogenated castor oil, monoethanolamine citrate, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium formate, sodium silicate, trimethylsilyloxy silicate or mixtures thereof.

[0171] Hard surface cleaners include, but are not limited to, all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, kitchen cleaners, cleaning pastes, floor cleaners, and furniture care products.

[0172] In one aspect, the hard surface cleaner is an all-purpose cleaner. The all-purpose cleaner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, solvents, emulsifiers, pH regulators, and fragrances. Particularly suitable surfactants used in the all-purpose cleaner include sodium lauryl sulfate and decyl glucoside. Particularly suitable solvents used in the all-purpose cleaner include isopropyl alcohol and ethanol. Particularly suitable emulsifiers used in the all-purpose cleaner include polysorbate 20. Particularly suitable pH regulators used in the all-purpose cleaner include citric acid and sodium hydroxide.

[0173] In another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a bathroom cleaner. The bathroom cleaner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, acid compounds, surfactants, fragrances, and thickeners. Particularly suitable acid compounds used in the bathroom cleaner include hydrochloric acid and citric acid.

[0174] In yet another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a kitchen cleaner. The kitchen cleaner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, surfactants, solvents, degreasers, fragrances, and antimicrobial agents. Particularly suitable degreasers used in the kitchen cleaner include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

[0175] In one aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a cleaning paste. The cleaning cream can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, abrasives, surfactants, emollients, and fragrances. Particularly suitable abrasives used in the cleaning paste include calcium carbonate and silica. Particularly suitable emollients used in the cleaning paste include glycerol.

[0176] In another aspect, the hard surface cleaner is a floor cleaner. The floor cleaner can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, solvents, fragrances, and pH regulators.

[0177] Dishwashing liquids include, but are not limited to, hand dishwashing liquids, machine dishwashing liquids, dishwashing capsules, rinse aids, and dishwashing cleaning solutions.

[0178] In one aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a hand dishwashing liquid. The hand dishwashing liquid can contain the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure, water, surfactants, emollients, solvents, and fragrances. Particularly suitable surfactants used in the hand dishwashing liquid include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Particularly suitable emollients used in the hand dishwashing liquid include glycerol. Particularly suitable solvents used in the hand dishwashing liquid include isopropyl alcohol.

[0179] In another aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a machine - dishwashing liquid. The machine - dishwashing liquid can contain the disinfectant composition, surfactant, enzyme, builder, bleach, anti - redeposition agent, and rinse aid of the present disclosure. Particularly suitable enzymes used in the machine - dishwashing liquid include protease and amylase. Particularly suitable builders used in the machine - dishwashing liquid include sodium carbonate and sodium citrate. Particularly suitable bleaches used in the machine - dishwashing liquid include sodium percarbonate. A particularly suitable anti - redeposition agent used in the machine - dishwashing liquid is a liquid, including polyacrylate.

[0180] In yet another aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a dishwashing capsule or pod. The dishwashing capsule or pod can contain the disinfectant composition, surfactant, enzyme, builder, bleach, rinse aid, and / or solvent of the present disclosure. Particularly suitable solvents used in the dishwashing capsule or pod include PEG - 75 and PEG - 150.

[0181] In one aspect, the dishwashing liquid is a rinse aid. The rinse aid can contain the disinfectant composition, water, surfactant, acidifying agent, chelating agent, and defoaming agent of the present disclosure. Particularly suitable acidifying agents used in the rinse aid include citric acid. Particularly suitable chelating agents used in the rinse aid include tetrasodium EDTA.

[0182] Toilet care products include, but are not limited to, toilet cleaners and toilet fresheners.

[0183] In one aspect, the toilet care product is a toilet cleaner. The toilet cleaner can contain the disinfectant composition, hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, surfactant, thickener, fragrance, colorant, corrosion inhibitor, bleach, thickener, solvent, and antibacterial agent of the present disclosure. Particularly suitable surfactants used in the toilet cleaner include sodium dodecyl sulfate and alkyldimethylamine oxide. Particularly suitable thickeners used in the toilet cleaner include xanthan gum and sodium chloride. Particularly suitable thickeners used in the toilet cleaner include sodium hydroxide and sodium polyacrylate. Particularly suitable solvents used in the toilet cleaner include isopropyl alcohol.

[0184] The base composition of the industrial preparation added with the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can be various types of products. For example, the industrial preparation can include paints, coatings, varnishes, sealant compositions, leather auxiliaries, paper coatings, stucco, adhesives, sealants, caulking compounds, mineral slurries, pigment dispersions, pigment slurries, concrete, polymer emulsions, polymer dispersions, inks, sizing agents, or agricultural pesticide preparations.

[0185] Among these various types of products, the disinfectant composition and the base composition can be formulated differently depending on the function of the end-use product. For example, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can be used in emulsions (oil-in-water and water-in-oil), aqueous solutions, PIT (phase inversion temperature) emulsions, oily solutions, foaming cosmetic preparations (foams), and so-called multiple emulsions, such as triple emulsions (e.g., water / oil / water emulsions).

[0186] Generally, the disinfectant compositions of the present disclosure can be added to the end-use preparation to be preserved in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 15% by weight of the preparation, such as from about 0.005% to about 12% by weight of the preparation, such as from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the preparation, such as from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the preparation, or any range therebetween. More specifically, the composition can be added to the end-use preparation or product in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 5.0% by weight of the preparation.

[0187] According to the present invention, various different microorganisms can be killed or controlled. For example, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can control Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, etc. In addition to bacteria, the disinfectant composition of the present disclosure can also kill and control the growth of various other microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi, spores, mycobacteria, etc. Examples of specific microorganisms that can be killed or controlled according to the present disclosure include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus hirae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Listeria monocytogenes, Pluralibacter gergoviae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Burholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas putida, Kocuria rhizophila, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Penicillium funiculosum, Eupenicillium levitum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium avium, Poliovirus, Adenovirus, Norovirus, Vacciniavirus), Influenza virus, Hepatitis B virus, Human Immunodeficiency virus, Human papilloma virus, or a mixture thereof.

[0188] As described above, the adjuvants of the present disclosure can significantly and unexpectedly increase the efficacy of the above antimicrobial agents. For example, compared to the same composition without an adjuvant but containing the same concentration of the antimicrobial agent, when tested for a 60-second contact time against various microorganisms according to the modified EN 1040 suspension challenge test, the disinfectant composition can be formulated to show a reduction of greater than 2 log. Additionally, compared to the same composition without an adjuvant but containing the same concentration of the same microbial agent, when tested for a five-minute contact time against various microorganisms according to the suspension challenge test for five minutes, the disinfectant composition can be formulated to show a reduction of greater than 5 log. Using Microbank TM beads (Prolab diagnostics), bacteria were stored at -80 °C. Cultures were prepared using one bead in 25 ml of tryptic soy broth (TSB) in a 250 ml baffled shake flask. After culturing for 18 + / - 8 hours at 37 °C and 150 rpm, an inoculum was prepared for testing. In certain embodiments, compared to the same composition without an adjuvant, when tested for a 60-second contact time against various microorganisms, the disinfectant composition can show a reduction of greater than 2.5 log, such as greater than about 3 log, such as even greater than 3.5 log. In alternative embodiments, compared to the same composition without an adjuvant, when tested for a five-minute contact time against various microorganisms, the disinfectant composition can show a reduction of greater than 4.0 log, such as greater than 4.5 log, such as greater than 5.0 log, such as even greater than 5.3 log. In certain aspects, for example, when testing the disinfectant composition against microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, the above results can be obtained.

[0189] The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following examples.

[0190] Example 1

[0191] In this example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus was dried on a slide and then sprayed with the disinfectant composition prepared according to the present disclosure. The organism load on the slide was controlled between 5 and 6 log10 (equal to 10 5 to 10 6 organisms). The spray bottle containing the disinfectant was placed 4 inches from the carrier and five sprays were made. After a 10-minute contact time, the carrier was aseptically transferred to 20 ml of letheen broth (neutralizer / growth medium). Then, these letheen broth tubes with the carrier were incubated at 37 ± 1 °C for 48 hours. After 48 hours, a turbid letheen tube indicated growth or failure, and a clear tube indicated no growth or pass. The results of ten replicates are listed in the table below.

[0192] The polyether triamine used was JEFFAMINE T403 polyetheramine, obtained from Huntsman Corporation of Houston, Texas.

[0193] In the following example, the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride contained a mixture of 50 wt% C14, 10 wt% C16, and 40 wt% C12 dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

[0194] In the table below, PHMB represents polyhexamethylene biguanide. The following results were obtained:

[0195] Table 1.

[0196]

[0197] As shown above, the presence of the adjuvant significantly improved the performance of the antimicrobial agent.

[0198] Example 2

[0199] In this example, a modified EN 1040 suspension test was conducted to confirm some of the advantages and benefits of the present disclosure. In particular, various antimicrobial agents and mixtures were combined and tested with and without the adjuvant of the present disclosure.

[0200] In this example, the same polyether triamine as described in Example 1 was used. In addition, the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride was the same mixture as described in Example 1. The alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride mixture used in the following samples contained 40 wt% octyldecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, 16 wt% dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and 24 wt% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

[0201] The efficacy of the test system was determined using a modified EN 1040 suspension test. The test was conducted for a contact time of 60 seconds compared to the same composition without adjuvant but containing the same concentration of antimicrobial agent. Using Microbank TM beads (Prolab diagnostics), bacteria were stored at -80 °C. Cultures were prepared using one bead in 25 ml of tryptic soy broth (TSB) in a 250 ml baffled shake flask. After incubation at 37 °C and 150 rpm for 18 + / - 8 hours, an inoculum was prepared for testing.

[0202] The inoculum was prepared by diluting the bacteria to 2.5 × 10 6 CFU / mL in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Test compounds were prepared in DI water. Three levels of each test compound were prepared by serial two-fold dilutions in the same hard water. For each biological replicate, the test compounds were tested in quadruplicate at 3 levels, and one quadruplicate control without the test compound.

[0203] Then, the different compositions were mixed with the inoculum at a ratio of 80:20 (test composition:inoculum). After 60 seconds, the test composition / inoculum mixture was neutralized by diluting 10-fold in Letheen broth. After neutralizing the test composition / inoculum mixture, five additional 10-fold dilutions were made. The six dilutions were incubated at 35 °C for 24 h + / - 1 h. Neutralization was verified separately.

[0204] The mean log reduction was calculated using the six dilutions.

[0205] In the first set of experiments, the antimicrobial efficacy of polyether triamine was tested alone and the following results (mean log reduction reported in the table) were obtained:

[0206] Table 2.

[0207]

[0208] As shown above, polyether triamine does not act as an antimicrobial agent.

[0209] Various different formulations were tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial agent concentrations were tested at 5 ppm, 2.5 ppm, and 1.25 ppm. The antimicrobial blends were mixed at the specified ratios by weight percentage. The formulations were tested with and without polyether triamine (PEA). Polyether triamine was added at weight ratios of 20:1, 40:1, 80:1, and 200:1 relative to the antimicrobial agent. In addition to the difference in log reduction between the formulations containing polyether triamine and those without polyether triamine, the mean log reduction was also recorded. The following results were obtained:

[0210]

[0211]

[0212]

[0213]

[0214]

[0215]

[0216]

[0217]

[0218]

[0219]

[0220]

[0221] As shown above, the presence of the adjuvant significantly improves the performance of the antimicrobial agent.

[0222] Example 3

[0223] In this example, suspension tests were conducted to confirm some of the advantages and benefits of the present disclosure. In particular, different amounts of parachloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX) were combined and tested with and without different adjuvants of the present disclosure.

[0224] In this example, the same polyether triamine as described in Example 1 was used. The sodium cocoyl amphodiacetate used was K-2 from Arxada AG. The methylglycine diacetic acid used was M from BASF Corporation. K-2. The methylglycine diacetic acid used was M from BASF Corporation. M.

[0225] In Tables 9 and 10, the antimicrobial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) was evaluated according to the EU standard EN 1276 method with a contact time of 5 minutes under dirty conditions. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the test compounds were diluted in hard water with a total hardness of 375 ppm of CaCo3 and used within 2 hours after preparation. The test inoculum was adjusted to 1.5 - 5×10 8The concentration of colony forming units (CFU). For the challenge test, 1 mL of the test inoculum was mixed with 1 mL of bovine serum albumin (final concentration 3 g / L) and held for 2 minutes, then it was exposed to 8 mL of the test compound. Then, the test suspension was mixed and held for a contact time of 5 minutes at 20 ± 1 °C. At the end of the exposure time, 1 mL of the test mixture was transferred to a tube containing 9 mL of neutralizing solution and held for 5 minutes, then it was serially diluted and plated onto TSA plates. The plates were incubated at 37 °C for 48 hours, after which the number of CFU per mL in the test suspension relative to the control was calculated. The test and control procedures were performed in duplicate and in parallel with a neutralization verification control as described in the standard.

[0226] Table 9.

[0227]

[0228] Table 10.

[0229]

[0230] As shown in Example 3, the polyether triamine does not act as an antimicrobial agent. Additionally, as shown above, the presence of the adjuvant significantly improved the performance of parachlorometaxylenol. This improvement allows the use of significantly less parachlorometaxylenol, with enhanced efficacy, which saves the consumer money and reduces the packaging size and plastic waste.

[0231] As shown in the above examples, the adjuvants of the present disclosure are capable of increasing the efficacy of the microbicide by more than about 0.5 log, such as more than about 1 log, such as more than about 1.5 log, such as more than about 2 log, such as more than about 2.5 log, such as more than about 3 log, such as more than about 3.5 log, such as more than about 4 log, such as more than about 4.5 log, such as even more than about 5 log.

[0232] Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as more particularly set forth in the appended claims, those of ordinary skill in the art can make these and other modifications and variations to the invention. Additionally, it should be understood that various aspects of the various embodiments can be interchanged in whole or in part. Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the foregoing description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the invention as further described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disinfectant composition comprising: an antimicrobial agent; and an adjuvant for the antimicrobial agent comprising a polyether triamine.

2. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 1, wherein the composition is a ready-to-use solution or a liquid concentrate.

3. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyether triamine comprises a compound of formula I, wherein R1 is H or a C1 to C9 alkyl group, R2, R3 and R4 are independently H or CH3, and x, y and z are independently from 1 to 10.

4. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 3, wherein the sum of x, y and z is not less than 5.

5. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 3 or 4, wherein the sum of x, y and z is not greater than 10.

6. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polyether triamine is present in the composition in an amount greater than about 100 ppm, such as greater than about 200 ppm, and less than about 250,000 ppm, such as less than about 10,000 ppm, such as less than about 5,000 ppm, such as less than about 3,000 ppm, such as less than about 2,000 ppm, such as less than about 1,000 ppm.

7. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in the ready-to-use composition in an amount less than about 1,000 ppm, such as less than about 500 ppm, such as less than about 250 ppm, such as less than about 100 ppm, such as less than about 50 ppm, such as less than about 20 ppm, such as less than about 10 ppm.

8. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 5,000:1, such as about 10:1 to about 3,000:1, relative to the antimicrobial agent.

9. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when tested for a 60-second contact time against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to the modified test EN 1040, the disinfectant composition shows a reduction of greater than 2 log compared to the same composition without the adjuvant.

10. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when tested for a 60-second contact time against Klebsiella pneumoniae according to the modified test EN 1040, the disinfectant composition shows a reduction of greater than 2 log compared to the same composition without the adjuvant.

11. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one quaternary ammonium compound, chlorhexidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, parachlorometaxylenol or a mixture thereof.

12. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises at least one quaternary ammonium compound having formula (I): wherein R 1 is an optionally substituted benzyl or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl; R 2 and R 3 are each independently an optionally substituted alkyl group; R 4 selected from optionally substituted alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, benzyl, and -[(CH2)2-O] n -R 5 , where n is an integer from 1 to 20, and R 5 is selected from hydrogen, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl; and X - is chloride ion, bromide ion, phosphate group, carbonate group, bicarbonate group, acetate group, ethyl sulfate group, sulfate group or nitrate group.

13. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 12, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in a weight ratio of from about 10:1 to about 4000:1, such as from about 20:1 to about 2000:1, such as from about 150:1 to about 1000:1, relative to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound.

14. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 12, wherein the adjuvant is present in the composition in a weight ratio of from about 20:1 to about 200:1 relative to the at least one quaternary ammonium compound.

15. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

16. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride.

17. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

18. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises octyldecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

19. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises tetradecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and hexadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

20. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate, didecyl dimethyl ammonium hydrogencarbonate or a combination thereof.

21. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises chlorhexidine.

22. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 21, wherein the adjuvant is present in a weight ratio of from about 80:1 to about 8000:1 relative to chlorhexidine.

23. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises polyhexamethylene biguanide.

24. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 23, wherein the adjuvant is present in a weight ratio of from about 50:1 to about 5000:1 relative to polyhexamethylene biguanide.

25. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises parachlorometaxylenol.

26. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 25, wherein the adjuvant is present in a weight ratio of from about 1:1 to about 10,000:1 relative to parachlorometaxylenol.

27. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 25, wherein the adjuvant is present in a weight ratio of from about 1:1 to about 50,000:1 relative to parachlorometaxylenol.

28. The disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the adjuvant is combined with a chelating agent.

29. The disinfectant composition as defined in claim 28, wherein the chelating agent comprises methylglycine diacetic acid.

30. A disinfectant composition as defined in claim 29, wherein said methylglycine diacetic acid is present in the composition in an amount greater than about 0.01% by weight, such as greater than about 0.5% by weight, such as greater than about 1.0% by weight, and in an amount less than about 20% by weight, such as less than about 15% by weight, such as less than about 10% by weight, such as less than about 8% by weight, such as less than about 5% by weight.

31. A disinfectant composition as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein when tested for a five-minute contact time against Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to EN 1276, the disinfectant composition shows a reduction of greater than 4 log compared to the same composition without said adjuvant.

32. A pre-moistened wipe product comprising: a liquid-absorbent substrate; and a disinfectant composition contained within said substrate, said disinfectant composition being as defined in any of the preceding claims.

33. A pre-moistened wipe product as defined in claim 32, wherein said liquid-absorbent substrate comprises a nonwoven web, said nonwoven web comprising a meltblown web, a coform web, a spunbond web, an airlaid web, an air-entangled web, a hydroentangled web, a bonded carded web, or a laminate thereof.

34. A method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface, comprising: impregnating a liquid-absorbent substrate with a disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 1-29; and applying the impregnated liquid-absorbent substrate to a hard surface.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said microorganisms are selected from bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, slimes, and combinations thereof.

36. A method for destroying microorganisms on an adjacent surface, comprising: spraying a disinfectant composition as defined in any one of claims 1-31 onto said adjacent surface.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein said microorganisms are selected from bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, slimes, and combinations thereof.

38. A personal care or household care preparation, wherein said personal care or household care preparation comprises a composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 31.

39. The personal or household care preparation of claim 38, wherein said household or personal care preparation includes a makeup product, a deodorant product, a hair care product, an oral care product, a skin care product, a bath product, a sunscreen product, a fabric care product, a dishwashing liquid product, an aromatic preparation, a hard surface cleaning product, or a toilet care product.

40. An industrial preparation, wherein said industrial preparation comprises a composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 31.

41. The industrial preparation of claim 40, wherein said industrial preparation comprises a paint, a coating, a varnish, a sealing composition, a leather auxiliary, a paper coating agent, a stucco, an adhesive, a sealant, a caulking agent, a mineral slurry, a pigment dispersion, a pigment slurry, a concrete, a polymer emulsion, a polymer dispersion, an ink, a slurry, or an agricultural pesticide preparation.

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